A trailer is a short video that gives an overview of a film, television show, or other production. It is used to promote a release and encourage viewers to watch the full version. Film trailers typically feature a synopsis of the storyline, and many also include cast listings and a brief description of the production. They can be seen on television, at the cinema, and online. A good trailer is well-organized and tells a compelling story. It is also interesting to watch, which helps to keep the viewer’s attention.
In addition to a clear script, the key to creating a trailer is excellent cinematography and editing. The visuals are a powerful tool to draw the audience into the story, and the soundtrack adds emotion and suspense. The audio should be loud enough to hear but not so loud that it is distracting. The voice-over can be delivered over the music, or it may be a separate track from the sound effects. The audio track can be a song or a piece of orchestral music.
If a film is being released in 3-D, the trailer will also be presented in 3-D. The trailers for a film are usually arranged in the same structure as the film itself, with three acts. The first act lays out the premise of the movie, the second focuses on tension and conflict, and the third climaxes with the film’s resolution.
The trailer is used to promote the film and encourage viewers to go see it in theaters or rent the DVD or Blu-ray. It can also be used to generate interest in a new product, such as a computer game or mobile phone. The trailer is often the only marketing material for a film, so it must be effective and attention-grabbing.
For books, the trailer can feature actors portrayed as characters from the book or even use the author. It can also include testimonials from readers to give social proof. The visuals should be consistent with the book’s tone and content, and the voice-over should reflect the character’s personality. It’s important to use a professional voice-over to ensure clarity and quality.
The call-to-action at the end of the trailer should be direct and easy to understand. It’s best to avoid using a lengthy credits sequence and a black frame. Online trailers should be as short as possible to prevent the viewer from abandoning the video before the purchase button or mailing list sign-up form appears.
Most trailers conclude with a title block and cast run, which is a list of the major stars in the movie. This is the same information that will appear on posters and other promotional materials. It can also be included in the end credits. Some trailers also have a logo for the production company or distributor. While this isn’t necessary for an online trailer, it can be useful if the filmmaker has a large following on social media.